Fact Sheets on the European Union

Welcome to the Fact Sheets website. Created in 1979 for Parliament’s first direct elections, the Fact Sheets are designed to provide non-specialists with a straightforward, concise and accurate overview of the European Union’s institutions and policies, and the role that the European Parliament plays in their development.

The Fact Sheets are grouped into five chapters: 1) How the European Union works; 2) Economy, science and quality of life; 3) Cohesion, growth and jobs; 4) Citizens: fundamental rights, security and justice and 5) The EU’s external relations.

Drafted by the policy departments and the Economic Governance Support Unit, the Fact Sheets are available in 24 languages. The online version is reviewed and updated at regular intervals throughout the year, as soon as Parliament adopts any important positions or policies.